A nondescript diner lies on the side of the road just a few miles beyond the friendly confines of the village of Geneseo. It is the type of establishment one would not give a second glance at on a long car ride. For a hungry, not-necessarily-but-potentially hungover college student, however, Brian’s USA Diner is nothing short of an oasis.
Tucked away in nearby Mount Morris, Brian’s may not be as familiar to Geneseo students as Main Street stalwarts––Geneseo Family Restaurant and Village Café––are. But what Brian’s lacks in proximity to campus, it more than makes up for in its friendly atmosphere and the quality of its many menu options.

The restaurant’s open floor plan evokes a feeling that everyone dining is there together. This may also be due to the fact that it is not uncommon to see patrons greeting one another. The majority of visitors to this establishment appear to be residents of Mount Morris, though you are likely to spot at least one or two fellow students at any given time. Unlike GFR, you need not worry about running into your entire THEA 100 class on a Sunday morning when you look like a character from a Tom Waits song.

When it comes to breakfast food, Brian’s simply cannot be beat. The seemingly endless selection of combinations requires repeat visits to truly appreciate the menu’s breadth. With a slew of specials for each day of the week, there are plenty of opportunities to switch things up.

I ordered the “Belt Buster,” which included two eggs, choice of meat, corned beef hash and toast. The corned beef hash and toast were especially excellent, while the bacon was satisfyingly crispy and the eggs––ordered over hard––were reliably filling. For just over $8, I was left with a very full stomach and plenty of leftovers.

Everything that can be said about the breakfast menu can also be said about the diner’s lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between diner classics and original dishes you may not be able to find anywhere else, such as the Best “Dam” Chicken Sandwich.

For those looking for an escape from the monotony of Main Street or simply looking for unbeatably good diner, look no further than Brian’s. You will, however, have to plan out your visit accordingly––Brian’s closes at 2 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday. You can, however, stop in to Brian’s until 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.